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About this talk

What does an agent actually do, and when should you approach one? How do you prepare your work and position yourself effectively? What makes a strong submission, and how do you identify an agent who is the right fit? These are questions familiar to many budding authors. However, for writers from the Global Majority and other historically underrepresented communities, barriers to industry knowledge and connections can intersect with questions of whose stories are published, how they are received, and how writers can retain agency over the stories they tell. This is especially significant for life-writers, for whom personal experience, community and history are so often central to their work. Emma Paterson is a literary agent and Director of Aitken Alexander Associates, where she represents acclaimed writers including Bernardine Evaristo, Mona Chalabi, Natasha Brown, Shon Faye, Elaine Castillo and Mary Jean Chan. Drawing on her extensive experience in the publishing world, Emma will discuss the challenges and possibilities of building a literary career: from finding representation and developing professional networks to bringing distinctive stories and perspectives to a wider readership. You will leave with a clear sense of: What agents do How writers build visibility and recognition, and what can help get your work noticed How to prepare a strong submission, and what makes it feel intentional rather than formulaic How to identify an agent who is the right fit for your work What to expect once you have an agent, from developing and positioning your work to navigating the publishing industry How to build the profile, relationships and networks that can sustain your career as a writer, and how stories rooted in particular communities and histories can reach new readers Emma will begin with a presentation on literary representation, followed by a conversation with author and mentor Ana-Diamond Aaba Atach. The session will conclude with an extended Q&A with the audience. This masterclass will appeal to budding writers from the Global Majority and other historically underrepresented communities who want to find literary representation, publish their work, and explore the practical and creative aspects of developing a writing career.

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